Shipping and carrying cartons



July 8, 1958 w. A. RINGLER 2,842,304

SHIPPING AND CARRYING CARTONS Filed July 7, 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. MAL/AM A. R/NGLER BYMMW ATTORNEY July 8, 1958 w. A. RINGLER 2,842,304

SHIPPING AND CARRYING CARTONS Filed July 7, 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet '2 INVENTOR.

Mum/n A R/N LER BY MJW ATTORNEY July 8, 1958 w. A. RINGLER 2,842,304

SHIPPING AND CARRYING CARTONS Filed July 7, 1954 INVENTOR. "iV/LL/AM A. RIN LER I ATTORNEY 6 Sheets-Sheet I5 July 8, 1958 w. A. RINGLER 2,842,304

SHIPPING AND CARRYING CARTONS Filed July 7, 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. W/u mm 4. R/NGLER BY'MQW A TTORNE Y y 1958 w. A. RINGLER 2,842,304

SHIPPING AND CARRYING CARTONS Filed July 7, 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. W/u MM 4. fills/ 45R 57 59 flwi MJLJ.

A TTORNL'Y J ly 8, 195 w. A. RINGLER I 2,842,304

SHIPPING AND CARRYING CARTONS Filed July 7, 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. Wag/AM ,4. finvam ATTORNEY United States Patent SHIPPING AND CARRYING CARTONS William A. Ringler, Wayne, Pa., assignor, by mesne assignments, to The Diamond Match Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application July 7, 1954, Serial No. 441,815 Claims. (Cl. 229-51) This invention relates to shipping and carrying cartons and more particularly to cartons designed to provide sealed merchandise shipping cases having a separable carrying handle which may be pulled out from the end wall of the carton and which is additionally provided with a separable hinged cover part associated therewith which may be conveniently opened for removal of the merchandise contents.

This invention is directed to the provision of improved merchandise shipping and carrying cartons within which :a selected number of cans, bottles, jars or wrapped packages of merchandise may be packed and the carton then sealed to serve as a strong and sturdy shipping case for transportation from the merchandise manufacturer or distributor to the retailer for direct sale to the consumer or merchandise user. These cartons feature a reinforced carrying handle formed as an integral part of one of the end walls of the shipping case which may be easily pulled out from the end wall to provide convenient means by which the consumer or user may hand transport the filled carton. The shipping case is additionally provided with a separable cover part interal therewith and designed to be readily opened by the consumer or merchandise user to provide convenient access to the merchandise contents.

These improved shipping and carrying cartons are formed from one-piece blanks of paperboard, fibreboard, or other fibrous stock sheet materials of requisite strength and thickness. The stock sheet need be finished and imprinted on one side thereof only and the carton forming blanks may be fully cut and scored ready for assembly into cartons in a single pass of the stock sheet through a cutting and scoring machine with very little waste of stock sheet material resulting.

The blanks are cut and scored in a manner to form six walled cartons, with one end wall which has the handle part associated therewith of substantially doubleply thickness. The carton is initially assembled in collapsed form for shipment and storage in limited space and presents a tubular body forming four walls of the carton with closure flaps extending from the ends of the tubular body forming walls which may be assembled in overlapped relation to provide the other two walls of the carton. The collapsed tubular body shell is readily expansible into rectangular form, permitting machine insertion of the merchandise items into the rectangular shell through the open ends thereof, following which the closure flaps may be closed and sealed to form the fifth and sixth walls of the packaged carton.

In one form of this invention, the body shell is formed by foldably connected side and end wall panels, with the top and bottom walls formed by closure flaps extending from the side and end walls. After infol-ding the bottom forming flaps and securing the same together to provide a solid bottom wall, the merchandise items may be machine loaded through the open top thereof and the top wall forming flaps then sealed and closed to prolapped relation to provide solid side Walls and a sealed shipping case in which the merchandise items are fully protected during shipment.

In a still further form of this invention, the tubular body shell is formed by enclosing top, bottom and side wall panels into which the merchandise items may be machine loaded through the open ends thereof. The end Wall forming flaps extending from the top, bottom and side wall panels are then infolded and secured together in overlapped relation to provide solid end walls and a sealed carton in which the merchandise items are fully protected.

Inall forms of this invention, at least one of the end walls is formed by overlapping sections adhesively sealed together to provide an end wall whose mid-sectional area extending between the adjacent side walls has a thickness not less than two thicknesses of the sheet material from which the carton is formed. This substantially double-ply end wall is provided with a pair of spaced lines of weakness which are substantially parallel to each other and equally spaced between the top and bottom walls and which also extend for a short. distance into the side walls of the sealed carton. The stock sheet material which is between the spaced lines of weakness defines a double-ply handle strap which can be pulled out of the plane of the end wall with which it is asso- These improved cartons are also provided with a separable cover part which provides convenient customer access to the merchandise contents. The cover part is formed by a top panel section integrally connected to a pair of side flange sections and a front flange section. The side flange sections of the cover part are captured from the side walls of the sealed carton and are separable therefrom along lines of weakness which extend diagonally across ,the end of the carton side walls. The front flange section of the cover part is captured from the carton end wall with which the handle part is associated. The top panel section of the cover part is captured from the top wall of the sealed carton and is integrally hinged to a permanent section of the carton top wall by a transversely extending score. Thus the side flange sections and front flange section of the cover part are integral with the side walls and handle providing end wall of the sealed carton, but are separable therefrom along breakable lines of weakness.

When the double-ply handle strap is pulled out from the end wall of the sealed carton with which itis associated, the front flange section of the cover part is thereby automatically loosened from the carton end wall so equal to one-third to one-half of the entire top wall area of the sealed carton so that when the cover part is swung into open position, an opening of substantial area will have been provided for the convenient removal of the merchandise contents.

in cans, jars, bottles and individual packets which are packed in these cartons in numbers suitable for advantageous purchase by the consumer without further segregation of the merchandise items contained therein forv eparate sale, and within the limits ofconvenient carry: able weight. For example, food and beverage products.

normally packaged in shipping cases containing twen ty, four merchandise items, and thus too heavy for conven ient hand transportation by the customer, may be packed in lots of six, eight, ten, or twelve merchandise items in cartons constructed in accordance with this invention and thereafter conveniently hand transported by the customer by means of the pullout reinforced handle strap associated therewith. Improved cartons made in accordance with this invention are thus designed to perform the plural purposes of a shipping case in which the merchandise items are protected from damage and contamination during shipment, a display carton which is adapted to be attractively arranged. and displayed in the retail store, and a consumer transportation carton in which the merchandise may be conveniently hand transported by the consumer from the retail establishment.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent as disclosure proceeds.

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be carried out, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a prepared blank which has been cut and scored in accordance with this invention to provide a carriercarton designed for filling through the top thereo f and which is equipped with a pull-out handle part and an openable hinged cover part;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the blank shown in Fig. l as it would appear after execution of the first folding operation and after adhesive has been applied to the overfolded end flap extension thereof;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the blank as it would appear after execution of ,the second and final folding operation to produce a carton shell in collapsed form;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the carton as it would appear when the bottom-forming flaps have been infolded and secured together and the carton filled with cans through the open top thereof;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the carton after the top wall-forming flaps have been closed and sealed to provide a sealed shipping case.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the packaged carton as it would appear after the double-ply handle part has been pulled out of the end wall with which it is associated to provide a convenient handle by which the filled carton may be hand transported; and

Fig. 7 is a perspective viewof the carton as it would appear after the hinged cover part thereof has been swung into open position to provide convenient access to the contents. 1

Fig. 8 is a plan view of a modified form of blank which has been cut and scored to provide a carrier carton designed to be filled through the open sides thereof and when filled and closed, to provide a carrier carton having a double-ply pull-out handle strap associated with one of the, end walls thereof and an openable cover part for contents access;

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the blank shown in Fig. 8 as it would appear after completion of the first folding operation and after adhesive has been applied to one of the end wall sections thereof;

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the blankshown in Fig. 9

as it would appear after completion. of the second and. final folding operation and wherein the .paired. end wall sections have been secured together in overlapped relationship to provide a carton shell in collapsed form;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the carton shell as it would appear after expansion thereof to provide a tubular body defined by the foldably connected top panel, bottom panel, and end panels as formed when the end wall sections are secured together, this view showing cans inserted into the tubular body and the side wallforming flaps in extended position;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the can filled carton body of Fig. 11 as it would appear after the side wall forming flaps extending from the end walls have been inturned and adhesive has been applied to the end wall forming flaps extending from the top and bottom panels thereof;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the fully closed and sealed carrier carton formed from the blank shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the carrier carton shown in Fig. 13 as it would appear after the doubleply handle strap has been pulled out from the end wall with which it is associated to provide a convenient carrying handle; and

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the carrier carton shown in Fig. 14 as it would appear after the hinged cover part thereof has been swung into open position to permit convenient removal of the can contents.

Fig. 16 is aplan view of another modified form of blank which has been. cut and scored to provide a cam carrier carton designed to be filled through the open ends thereof. and when filled and closed, to provide a carrier carton having a double-ply pull-out handle forming strap associated with one of the end walls thereof and an openable cover part for contents access;

Fig. 17 is a plan view of the blank shown in Fig. 16 as it would appear after completion of the first folding operation and after adhesive has been applied to the overfolded securing flap thereof;

Fig. 18 is a plan view of the blank shown in Fig. 17 as it would appear after completion of the second and final folding operation to produce a carton shell in collapsed form;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the cartonshell shown in Fig.1 18 -as it would appear after expansion thereof to provide a tubular body defined by the foldably connected top, bottom and side panels, this view showing the end wall-forming flaps in extended position preparatory to insertion ef the cans through the open ends of the shell;

Fig. 20 is aperspective view of the carton shell shown in Fig. 19 as it would appear-after the cans have been inserted into the body thereof, this view showing the end flaps which extend from the side panels in inturned position, with adhesive applied to the end fiaps which extend from the ends of the bottom panel;

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the carton shell as it would appear after the end flaps which extend from the bottom panel has been folded into adhesively secured relation to the adjacent inturned end flaps extending from the side panels, with adhesive applied to the inside face of the end flaps extending from the top panel;

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the, fully closed and sealedcarrier carton as formed from the blank shown in Fig. 23 is a perspective viewof the carrier carton shown inFig. 22 as it would appear afterthedouble-ply handle strap has been pulled out from the .end wall with which it is associated to provide a convenient carrying handle; and

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the carrier carton shown .in Fig. 22 as it would appear after the hinged cover. sectionthereof has beenswung into open position to permit convenient removal of the can contents.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings and specifications.

The top filled carton shown in Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7 may be assembled from a blank which is imprinted on one side thereof only and which is cut and scored as shown in Fig. 1. This blank presents an end wall panel 1 integrally hinged as by parallel extending transverse scores 11-11 to a pair of opposite side panels 2-2, an end panel forming section 3 integrally hinged as by a transverse score 12 to the side panel 2, and an end panel reinforcing flap 3 connected by a transverse score 12 to the adjacent side wall panel 2. The bottom wall of the carton is formed by four flaps which comprise a pair of bottom side flaps 4-4 foldably connected to the side wall panels 2-2 along aligned longitudinally extending scores 14-14, and a pair of bottom end flaps 5-5 foldably connected to the end panel 1 and the end panel section 3 by aligned longitudinally extending scores 15-15. The longitudinally extending scores 14-14 may be slightly offset with respect to the longitudinal scores 15-15 to facilitate assembly of the carton. The adjacent ends of the bottom flaps 5-4 are separated by a transverse cut 11" which is substantially in alignment with the transverse score 11, the adjacent ends of the bottom flaps 5-4 are separated by a transverse cut 11" which is substantially in alignment with the transverse score 11, and the adjacent ends of the bottom flaps 4-5 are separated by a transverse cut 12 which is substantially in alignment with the transverse score 12.

The top wall of the carton is formed by a pair of top side flaps 6-6 foldably connected to the side panels 2-2 along aligned longitudinal scores 16-16, and by a pair of top end flaps 7-7 foldably connected to the end panel 1 and end panel section 3 along aligned longitudinal scores 17-17. The aligned scores 17-17 may be slightly olfset with respect to the aligned scores 16-16 to facilitate assembly of the carton. The adjacent ends of the top flaps 7-6 are separated by a transverse cut 11" which is substantially in alignment with the trans- V verse score 11, the adjacent ends of the top flaps 7-6 are separated by a transverse cut 11" which is substantially in alignment with the transverse score 11, and the adjacent ends of the top flaps 6-7 are separated by a transverse cut 12" which is substantially in alignment with the transverse score 12.

It will be noted that the blank shown in Fig. 1 is substantially rectangular in outline except for the end flap section 3 which is integrally hinged to the side panel 2 along the transverse score 12. The end flap section 3 is desirably substantially the same in size and area as the end panel section 3, so that when the sections 3 and 3 are secured together in overlapped relationship, a substantially double-ply end wall is formed thereby.

The handle part H for the carrier formed from the blank shown in Fig. 1 comprises a strap portion defined between a pair of spaced lines of weakness 18-19 extending longitudinally of the end panel section 3 for the full length thereof and which also extend into the adjacent side panel 2 for a limited distance. The spaced ends of the weakened and breakable lines 18-19 which terminate in the side wall panel 2 may be joined by transverse score 20 to thereby define a root portion 10 for the handle strap portion 10 as defined between the weakened lines 18-19. A similar handle strap portion 10 and associated root portion 10 is defined between a pair of space weakened lines 18-19 extending longitudinally of the end wall flap 3 and into the adjacent side panel 2 for a limited distance, the terminal ends of the weakened lines 18-19 being joined by a transverse bending score 20.

The cover part C for the carton formed from the blank shown in Fig. 1 is defined by a pair of hinge scores 16 extending transversely of the top wall flaps 6-6 and which together define portions6 of the top panel section of the cover part. The side flange sections 8 of the cover part are captured from the side panels 2-2 and are separable therefrom along weakened lines 18-18 which extend into the side panels 2-2 and by the diagonally extending weakened lines 20 which extend from the adjacent terminal ends of the hinging scores 16 to the terminal ends of the adjacent longitudinally extending weakened line 18-18.

The carton blank shown in Fig. l is assembled into a collapsed body shell by folding the side panel 2 along the transverse score 11' in overlying relation to the bottom panel 1. A patch a of adhesive may then be applied to the outside face of the inturned end flap section 3 as shown in Fig. 2. The end panel section 3 may then be folded along the transverse score 12 into overlying relation to the glue coated face of the end flap section 3 to provide a collapsed body shell as shown in Fig. 3. These collapsed body shells may be vertically stacked and shipped and stored in limited space.

When merchandise articles M such as a series of cans are to be packed in the carton, the collapsed body shell shown in Fig. 3 is expanded into rectangular form, the bottom side flaps 6-6 are inturned, adhesive is applied to the inside faces of the bottom end flaps 5-5 and the bottom end flaps 5-5 then inturned and pressed into adhesive securement with the previously inturned bottom side flaps 4-4 to provide a strong and sturdy bottom wall for the carton as shown in Fig. 4. A selected number of merchandise items M may then be machine loaded through the open top of the carton as shown in Fig. 4. The top side flaps 6-6 may then be inturned, adhesive applied to the inside face of the top end flaps 7-7, and the top end flaps 7-7 inturned and pressed into adhesive securement with the inturned top side flaps 6-6 to provide a strong top wall for the sealed carton as shown in Fig. 5.

It will be noted that the transverse hinging scores 16 which define the cover panel portions 6 of the top side flaps 6-6 are then in alignment, and are located directly adjacent the free edge of the inturned top end flap 7. The panel portions 6" as secured to the inside face of the top end flap 7 together form the top panel for the cover part C. The front flange section 8-8 of the cover part C, as formed by the overlapped flange forming portion 8-8 of the end wall sections 3-3, is of double-ply thickness and may be separated from the end wall sections 3-3 when the aligned weakened lines 18-18 are broken. The side flange sections 8 of the cover part are integrally hinged to the adjacent top panel portions 6 and the adjacent end flange-portions 8-8, and may be separated from the side wall panels 2-2 by breaking the diagonally extending weakened lines 26".

When the sealed carton as shown in Fig. 5 is to be hand transported, the aligned weakened lines 18-18 and 19-19 are broken so as to permit the handle part H as defined therebetween to be pulled out of the plane of the end wall. It will be noted that the handle part H as formed by the overlapped and adhesivcly bonded strap portions 10-10, is of double-ply thickness. The root portions 10 of the handle part are designed to become inwardly inclined when the handle part H is pulled out, with the root portions 16 braced by the adjacent cans or articles M packed in the carton.

The lower edge of the cover front flange is readily accessible when the aligned weakened lines 13-18 have been broken. By exerting an upward pull on the free lower edge of the cover front flange section as formed by the overlapped end portions 8-8, the diagonally extending weakened lines 20 formed in the side panels 2-2 may be readily broken, andthe cover part then swung into open position along the aligned hinging scores 16 as shown in Fig. 7.

The side loaded carton shown in Figs. 11 to 15 inclusive may be assembled from a blank which is imprinted on one side thereof only and which is cut and scored as shown in Fig. 8. This blank presents an end panel 21 integrally hinged as by parallel extending transverse scores 31-31 to an adjacent top wall panel 22 and an adjacent bottom wall panel 22. The second end panel of the carton is formed by a pair of end panel forming sections 23-23 integrally hinged as by transverse scores 32-32 to the adjacent top wall panel 22 and the adjacent bottom wall panel 22 respectively. The side walls for this carton are each formed by five overlapping flaps which include a side flap 25 integrally hinged to each end of the end panel 21 by a longitudinally extending score 35, a side flap 24 integrally hinged to each end of the top wall panel 22 along the longitudinally extending score 34, a side flap 24' integrally hinged to each end of the bottom wall panel 22 along a longitudinal extending score 34, a side wall section 26 integrally hinged to each end of the end wall section 23 along a longitudinally cx tending score 36, and a side wall section 26 integrally hinged to each end of the other end wall section 23' along a longitudinally extending score 36. The longitudinally extending scores 35, 36 and 36 along each side of the blank may be substantially in alignment with each other, but are preferably slightly offset with respect to the aligned longitudinal scores 34-34 to facilitate assembly of the carton.

The blank as shown in Fig. 8 is substantially rectangular in form and may be cut and scored with little resultant stock sheet waste. The side flaps 25 extending from the end wall panel 21 may be substantially rectangular in form, and the side flap sections 26 and 26 extending from the ends of the end wall sections 23 and 23 may also be substantially rectangular in form. The side flaps 24 may also be substantially rectangular in form, but may be separated by notch cutouts 3? from the adjacent side end flaps 25 and 26' so that each end of the bottom end flaps 24 has a square cut edge 39 from which a diagonal edge 39 extends. The side flaps 24 associated with the top panel 22 may likewise be separated from the adjacent side flaps 25 and 26 by notch cut-outs 39 which define a square edge 39 joining a diagonal edge 39 at each end of the top end flaps 24.

The top panel section 22" of the cover part C is captured from the top panel 22 of the blank shown in Fig. 8 and is defined by a hinging .score 32 which extends transversely of the top panel 22. The side flange sections 24 of the cover part are captured from the side flaps 24 and are separated therefrom by iagonally extending weakened lines 34 which extend from the free end edges of the flaps 24 to the terminal ends of the hinging score 32". The end wall panel 21 provides one end wall of the assembled carton, and the end wall sections 23-23 when overlapped and adhesively secured together, provide the other end wall of the assembled carton. Each of the end wall sections 23-23 has a handle strap forming portion 28-28 defined by a trans versely extending weakened line 33-33 which extends the full length of the end wall sections 23-23. The weakened line 33-33 is also in alignment with adjacent aligned cuts 33 extending into the side flap sections 26-26 to thereby provide root portions 28" for the strap portions 28-28. Each of the root portions 28 may be integrally hinged by longitudinal score 38-38 to a portion 29-29 of the side flap section 26-26. The side flap sections 26 may also be provided with a diagonally extended weakened line 37 designed to coincide with the adjacent weakened line 34" formed in the adjacent side flap 24 when the carton is assembled, to thereby provide a reinforcing section 27 for each side flange section 24 of the cover part.

The blank shown in Fig. 8 may be assembled to provide a collapsed body shell by folding the bottom panel 22 along the transverse score 31 into overlying relation with respect to the end wall panel 21 and top wall panel 22 as shown in Fig. 9. A coating b of adhesive may then be applied over the entire inside area of the extended end wall section 23 and its associated side flaps 26. The end wall section 23 and its associated side flaps 26 is folded along the transverse score 32 into overlying and adhesively secured relation to the adjacent infolded end wall section 23 and the associated side flaps 26 to thereby produce the collapsed body shell as shown in Fig. 10. When the end wall section 23 and its associated side flaps 26 have thus been infolded, the weakened line 33 and the cut extensions 33" will parallel the weakened line 33 and aligned cuts 33" in the underlying side wall section 23 and associated end flaps 26. A double-ply handle part H is thus formed by the adhesively bonded handle strap portions 23-28 and the adhesively bonded root portions '28" at each end thereof.

The collapsed body shell formed as shown in Fig. 10 may then erected into rectangular form and the metchandise items inserted therein through the open sides thereof as shown in Fig. 11. Patches of adhesive 0 may be applied to the outside faces of both side end flaps 25 and to both side end flaps formed by the overlapped side flap sections 26-26 as shown in Fig. 12, and these side end flaps then inturned as shown in Fig. 12. Patches of adhesive d may be applied to the inside faces of both bottom side flaps 24 and both top side flaps 24 as shown in Fig. 12 and these flaps then folded inwardly in superimposed relationto complete the side walls of the sealed carton as shown in Fig. 13.

It will be noted that the sealed carton as shown in Fig. 13 provides a double-ply handle strap H as formed by the overlapped handle forming portions 28-28 of the end wall sections 23-23. It will be further noted that the handle strap also has double-ply root sections formed by the overlapped and adhesively secured root portions 28 associated with the intumed and overlapped side flaps 26-26 associated with the end wall sections 23-23. By breaking the lines of weakness 33-33 in the overlapped end wall sections 23-23, the handle part H may be pulled out from the plane of the end wall as shown in Fig. '14 to provide a convenient carrying handle. When the handle part is thus pulled out, the double-ply root portions 28 will then incline inwardly and be braced against the adjacent articles packed in the carton as shown in Fig. 14, with the double-ply root .portions 28" integrally hinged along the transverse scores 33-38 associated with the side wall flaps 26-26.

The cover part for the carton shown in Fig. 13 :has its top wall section 22 taken from the top panel .22 and is hinged by the hinging score 32". The side flanges of-the cover part are formed by the side flange portions 24 taken from the side wall forming flaps 24, and are separable therefrom along the lines of weakness 34". The cover side flanges are additionally reinforced by the side flange portions .27 which overlap and are adhesively secured to the adjacent side flange portions 24". The cover side flanges are released by breaking the diagonal lines of weakness 37 in the end flaps 26 which are in alignment with the adjacent lines of weakness 34". Thus the side flanges of the cover part are strongly re inforced and possess substantial strength. The front flange 27 of the cover part is taken from the end wall section 23 and is released therefrom when the line of weakness 33 is broken. The front flange 27 is integrally connected at each end thereof to the side flange portions 27 to provide a cover front flange of substantial strength.

The lower edge of the cover front flange 27 is readily accessible when the weakened line 33 is broken. By exerting an upward pull on the free lower edge of the cover frontflangc 27, the diagonally extending weakened lines 34- and 37 may be readily broken, and the cover part then swung into open position along the hinging score 32 as shown in Fig. 15.

The end loaded carton shown in Figs. 19 to 24 inclusive may be assembled from a blank which is imprinted on one side thereof only and which is cut and scored as shown in Fig. 16. This blank presents a side wall panel 41, a top wall panel 42, a second side wall panel 41, and a bottom wall panel 42' foldably joined in side-byside relationship by parallel extending folding scores 51. The bottom wall panel 42 has a securing flap 41 hinged thereto as by a longitudinal score 51 which is designed to be adhesively secured to the inside face of the opposite side wall panel 41 adjacent the free edge thereof to provide a tubular carton body with opened ends.

One end wall of this carton is formed by a pair of end wall flaps' 43-43 integrally hinged to the adjacent ends of the side panels 41-41 along aligned transverse scores 53-53, and by a pair of end wall flaps 44-44 integrally hinged to the adjacent ends of the top and bottom panels 42-42 along the aligned transverse scores 54-54. The aligned scores 54-54 are slightly off-set with respect to the aligned transverse scores 53-53 to facilitate assembly of the end wall. The adjacent ends of the end wall forming flaps 43, 44, 43 and 44 are separated by longitudinal cuts 51 which are substantially in alignment with the adjacent longitudinal scores 51.

The other end wall of the carton assembled from the blank shown in Fig. 16, is also formed from four overlapping end flaps 45-45 and 46-46 which are scored and cut to also provide a handle part H as well as the front flange of the cover C for this carton. End flaps 45-45' are integrally hinged to the adjacent ends of the side wall panels 41-41"along aligned transverse scores 55-55, and the end flaps 46-46 are integrally hinged to the adjacent ends of the top and bottom panels 42-42 along aligned transverse scores 56-56. The aligned transverse scores 55-55 are slightly offset with respect to the aligned transverse scores 56-56 to facilitate overlapped folding of the flaps 46-46 with respect to the flaps 45-45. The adjacent side edges of the end flaps 45, 46 and 45 are separated by longitudinal cuts 51 which are substantially in alignment with the adjacent longitudinal scores 51. The opposite side edge of the end flaps 45-45 may, however, present a square cut edge 57 and a diagonal edge 57' extending therefrom.

Each of the end wall flaps 46-46 which extend from the adjacent ends of the top and bottom panels 42-42, are provided with a transversely extending weakened line 58-58 which define strap forming portions 47-47. The strap portions 47-47 are subsequently glued together in overlapped relationship to provide a plural-ply handle part. The end flaps 45-45 are also provided with a pair of longitudinally extending weakened lines 59-60 and 59'-60' which define therebetween a strap portion 47" which is also incorporated into the handle part. Each of the strap portions 47 has a root portion 48 associated therewith which extends into the adjacent ends of the side panels 41-41' and are hinged thereto by transverse scores 61 but otherwise separable therefrom along flared weakened lines 59-60. The weakened lines 59-60 extend to the terminal ends of the transverse scores 61 and join the terminal ends of the adjacent weakened lines 59- 60 and 59-60'.

The end wall forming flaps 45-45 additionally provide a portion 49-49 designed to be adhesively secured to the inside face of the front flange portion 50 associated with the end flap 46 to provide a reinforced front flange for the cover part. The top panel section 42 of the cover part is taken from the top panel 42 and is hinged by a longitudinally hinging score 52. The side flanges 41" of the cover part C are taken from the side panels 41-41 from which they are separated by the weakened lines 52 which extend diagonally across the side panels 41-41 from the terminal ends of the hinging score 52 into meeting relation with the terminal ends of the weakened lines 60". The cover side flanges 41" are thus hinged to the cover panel section 42" along the scores 51, the front flange section 50 is integrally connected to the cover top panel section 42" along the score 56, and the ends of the front flange section 50 are adhesively secured to the front 10 flange portions 49-49 of the end flaps 45-45"to provide a reinforced front flange for the cover part. It will be noted that the front flange portions 49-49 are also integrally hinged to the cover side flanges 41 along the longitudinal scores 55-55.

In assembling the carton from the blank shown in Fig. 16, the bottom panel 42 is folded along the adjacent longitudinal score 51 to overlie the adjacent side panel 41 and a part of the top panel 42 as shown in Fig. 17. Adhesive e is applied to the securing flap 41" and the opposite side panel 41 folded along the adjacent longitudinal score 51 so that the free side edge thereof becomes attached to the securing flap 41" as shown in Fig. 18.

A collapsed carton shell as shown in Fig. 18 is thus provided which can be stacked, shipped and stored in a minimum of space.

When merchandise articles are to be packaged, the collapsed carton shell as shown in Fig. 18 is erected as shown in Fig. 19 and the end wall forming flaps 43-43 and 44-44 at one end of the carton shell are outswung, and the end wall forming flaps 45-45 and 46-46 at the other end of the shell are also outswung as shown in Fig. 19, to facilitate machine insertion of the merchandise items into the expanded body shell through either one or both open ends of the carton.

When the body shell has been loaded with the merchandise items, the end flaps 43-43 at one end of the carton are inturned, adhesive applied thereto, and the end flaps 44-44 infolded in superimposed relation to provide a sealed end wall for one end of the carton. Patches f of adhesive whose area conforms to the previously inturned end flaps 45-45 are applied to the end flap 46 as shown in Fig. 20 and the end flap 46 upturned. The inside face of the end flap 46 is then coated with adhesive g and downfolded in superimposed relation to the previously upturned end flap 46' to provide a fully pack aged and sealed carton as shown in Fig. 22;

As the sealed carton is thus assembled, the weakened lines 60-60 in the inturned end flaps 45-45' will coincide with the weakened line 58 in the flap 46 and likewise, the weakened lines 59-59 formed in the inturned end flaps 45-45' will coincide with the weakened line 58 formed in the end flap 46'. Upon breaking the weakened lines 58-58 59-59 and 60-60, the handle part H can be pulled out of the end wall as shown in Fig. 23. This handle part H is of plural-ply thickness and possesses substantial strength since it is formed by the overlapped handle portions 47, 47 and 47". When the handle part H, as formed by the overlapped and adhesively secured handle forming portions 47-47 and 47", is pulled out from the plane of the end wall, the flared weakened lines 59-60 will release the root portions 48 of the handle part so as to permit the root portions 48 to incline in wardly in braced relation to the container contents. The root portions 48 are nevertheless strongly hinged by the bending scores 61 to the side panels 41-41 with which they are associated.

The cover part C may be opened to provide access to the contents by breaking the aligned weakened lines 58 and 60-60 to thereby give finger grip access to the lower edge of the cover front flange whichis formed by the front flange section 50 and associated front flange portions 49-49. By. exerting an upward pull on the cover front flange, the diagonally extending weakened lines 52"-60 may be readily broken so as to separate the cover side flanges 41 from the side panels 41-41' and permit upward swinging movement of the cover part along the hinging score 52.

, Cartons constructed in accordance with this invention are admirably adapted for the packaging, shipping and retailing of canned food products, as well as food products contained in glass jars and bottles. These cartons may be designed to contain one dozen of such merchandise items, or a greater or lesser number of merchandise items, as retail requirements indicate. These cartons are economical'in'the use of paperboard, and may be shipped-- asfiat collapsed shells in minimum space and conveniently stored until neededfor packaging use. Cartons made in accordance with this invention may be loaded with the merchandise items by the use of available high'speed loading machines, and may be loaded either through the open topwall, the open side walls or the open end walls thereof. The merchandise items are fully protected from dust and contamination during shipment and storage; andthe sealed carton can not be opened and merchandise items pilfered therefrom, without leavig visible evidence of tampering.

The packaged cartons can be stacked in limited-space,

attractively displayed in the retail store, and are pro-- vided with a convenient handle part bywhich the carton may be hand transported by the purchasing customer. The carton is also additionally provided with a hinged cover part whichprovides convenient access to the con-- tents. The cover part can be swung into closed position to protect the remaining merchandise items therein until fully consumed.

While certain novel features of this invention have been disclosed herein and are pointed out in the claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A carton formed from a one piece blank of sheet material and designed to provide a plural purpose shipping, hand transportation and dispensing carton for a group of cans packaged therein, said carton presenting a pair of said walls, a pair of end walls, a top wall and a bottom wall proportioned to receive a single layer can group therein with the top and bottom ends of the'eans positioned adjacent the top and bottom walls ofthe carton, one of said end walls having a pair of substantially parallel and breakable weakened lines formed therein which define therebetwecn a pull-out handle part taken from and extending across the mid-sectional portion of the end wall, said carton having a breakout cover part v designed to provide a can dispensing opening adjacent the handle part, said breakout cover part presenting 'a cover top section taken from the top wall of the carton and defined by a hinging score extending transversely across the carton top.wall, said cover top section as defined by said transverse score having a longitudinal length which is less than half the longitudinal length of the top wall but not substantially less than the diameter' of a single can, a front flange section comprising that portion of the end wall extending'between the pull-out handle partand the topwall of the carton and separable from the pull-out handle part along the adjacent breakable weakened line and when broken defines the free edge of the front flange section and the adjacent edge of the handle part, and a pair of cover side flange sections taken from and separable from the carton side walls along breakable weakened lines extending between the terminal ends of said hinging score and the terminal ends of'said weakened line which defines the cover front flange section, said cover part being openable by swingingthe' same along said top Wall hinging score when the'front flange section and side flange sections thereof are re leased from the handle part and the side walls of the carton along said breakable lines to thereby provide a can dispensing opening in the top wall of the carton adjacent the handle part.

2. A carton formed from a'one piece blank of sheet material and designed to provide a plural purpose shipping, hand transportation and dispensingcarton fora group of cans packaged therein, said carton presenting a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a top;wall and a bottom wall proportioned to receive a single layer can' group therein with the top and bottom ends'of the'cans" positioned adjacent the top and bottom walls of the.

carton; one of said end walls having a pair of substaning into the adjacent ends of both side Walls to define therebetwecn a pair of root portions for the handle part, said root portions extending into a midsectional portion of said side walls but integrally connected at the ends thereof to the side walls of the carton, said carton having a break-out cover part designed to provide a can dispensing opening adjacent the handle part, said break-out cover part presenting a cover top section taken from the top Wall of the carton and defined by a hinging score extending transversely across the carton top wall, said cover top section as defined by said transverse score having a longitudinal length which is less than half the longitudinal length of the top Wall but not substantially less than the diameter of a single can, a front flange section comprising that portion of the end wall extending between the pull-out handle part and the top wall of the carton and separable from the pull-out handle part along the adjacent breakable-weakened line and when broken defines the free edge of the front flange section and the adjacent edge of he handle part, and a pair of cover side-flange sections taken from and separable from the carton side walls along breakable weakened lines extending between the terminal ends of said hinging score and the terminal ends of theadjacent weakened line extensions which define the adjacent edges of the root portions of the pull-out handle part, said cover part being openable by swinging the same along said top wall hinging score when the front flange section and side flange sections thereof are released from the handle part and tie side walls of the carton along said breakable lines to thereby provide a can dispensing opening in the topwall of the carton adjacent the handle part.

3. A carton formed from a one piece blank of sheet material and designed to provide a plural purpose shipping, hand transportation and dispensing carton for a group of cans packaged therein, said carton presenting a pair ofside walls, a pair of end walls, a top wall and a bottom wall proportioned to receive a single layer can group therein with the .top and bottom ends of the cans positioned adjacent the top and bottom walls of the carton,'one of said end walls having a pair of substantially parallel and breakable weakened lines formed therein which define therebetwecn a pull-out handle part taken from and extending across the midsectional portion of the end wall, said paired weakened lines having end extensions extending into the adjacent ends of 'both sidewallsin flared relationship to define therebetwecn a pair of flared edge root portions for the handle part, said root portions being taken from midsectional portions of said side walls but integrally connected at the end thereof 'to the side walls of the carton, said carton having a breakout cover part designed to provide a can dispensing opening adjacent the handle part, said break-out cover part presenting a cover top section taken from the top wall of'thecarton and defined by a hinging score extending transversely across the carton top wall, said cover top section asdefined by said transverse score having a longitudinal length which is less than half the longitudinal length of the top wall but not substantially less than the diameter of a single can, a front flange section comprising that portion of the end Wall extending between the pulldefine the adjacent'side'edges of'the root portions otthc' pull-out handle part, said cover part being openable by swinging the same along said top wall hinging score when the front flange section and side flange sections thereof are released from the handle part, root portions and the side walls of the carton along said breakable lines to thereby provide a can dispensing opening in the top wall of the carton adjacent the handle part.

4. A carton formed from a one piece blank of sheet material and designed to provide a plural purpose shipping, hand transportation and dispensing carton for a group of cans packaged therein, said carton presenting a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a top wall and a bottom wall proportioned to receive a single layer can group therein with the top and bottom ends of the cans positioned adjacent the top and bottom walls of the carton, one of said end walls being formed by end wall sections secured together in overlapping relation to thereby provide a composite end wall whose four margins are connected to the adjacent ends of the top wall, bottom wall and side walls, said composite endtwall having a pair of substantially parallel and breakable weakened lines formed therein which define therebetween a plural ply pull-out handle part taken from and extending across the midsectional portion of the composite end wall, said paired weakened lines extending into the adjacent ends of both side walls to define therebetween a pair of root portions for the handle part, said root portions being taken from midsectional portions of said side walls but integrally connected at the ends thereof to the side walls of the carton, said carton having a break-out cover part designed to provide a can dispensing opening adjacent the handle part, said break-out cover part presenting a cover top section taken from the top wall of the carton and defined by a hinging score extending transversely across the carton top wall, said cover top section as defined by said transverse score having a longitudinal length which is less than half the longitudinal length of the top wall but not substantially less than the diameter of a single can, a front flange section comprising that portion of the composite end wall extending between the pull-out handle part and the top wall of the carton and separable from the pull-out handle part along the adjacent breakable weakened line and when broken defines the free edge of thefront flange section and the adjacent edge of the handle part, and a pair of cover side flange sections taken from and separable from the carton side walls along breakable weakened lines extending between the terminal ends of said hinging score and the terminal ends of the adjacent weakened line extensions which define the adjacent edges of the root portions of the pull-out handle part, said cover part being openable by swinging the same along said top wall hinging score when the front flange section and side flange sections thereof are released from the handle part, root portion and the side walls of the carton along said breakable lines to thereby provide a can dispensing opening in the top wall of the carton adjacent the handle part.

5. A carton formed from a one piece blank of sheet material and designed to provide a plural purpose shipping, hand transportation and dispensing carton for a group of cans packaged therein, said carton presenting a'pair of side wall panels, an end wall panel integrally connected to the adjacent ends of said side wall panels, a composite top wall, a composite bottom wall, and a composite end wall, said carton being proportioned to receive a single layer can group therein with the top and bottom ends of the cans positioned between the composite top and bottom walls of the carton, said composite end wall being formed by a pair of end wall sections secured together in overlapping relation and integrally connected to the adjacent ends of said side wall panels, said composite top and bottom walls being formed by four flap sections integrally connected to one of said end wall sections, to each of said side wall panels, and to said end wall 14 panel and being secured together in overlapped relation, said composite end wall having a pair of substantially parallel and breakable weakened lines formed therein which define therebetween a plural-ply pull-out handle part taken from and extending across the midsectional portion of the composite end wall, said paired weakened lines extending into the adjacent ends of both sides wall panels to define therebetween a pair of root portions for the handle part, said root portions being taken from mid-sectional portions of said side wall panels but integrally connected at the end thereof to the side wall panels of the carton, said carton having a break-out cover part designed to provide a can dispensing opening adjacent the handle part, said break-out cover part presenting a cover top section taken from the composite top wall of the carton and defined by a hinging score extending transversely across the carton top wall, said cover top section as defined by said transverse score having a longi tudinal length which is less than half the longitudinal length of the composite top wall but not substantially less than the diameter of a single can, a front flange section comprising that portion of the composite end wall extending between the pull-out handle part and the composite top wall of the carton and separable from the pull-out handle part along the adjacent breakable weakened line which'when broken defines the free edge of the front flange section and the adjacent edge of the handle part, and a pair of cover side flange sections taken from and separable from the carton side wall panels along breakable weakened lines extending between the terminal ends ,of said hinging score and the terminal ends of the adjacent weakened line extensions which define the adjacent edges of the root portions of the pull-out handle part, said cover part being openable by swinging the same along said top wall hinging score when the front flange section and side flange sections thereof are released from the handle part, root portions and the side walls of the carton along said breakable lines to thereby provide a can dispensing opening in the top wall of the carton adjacent the handle part.

6. A carton formed from a one piece blank of sheet material and designed to provide a plural purpose shipping, hand transportation and dispensing carton for a group of cans packaged therein, said carton presenting a top wall panel, a bottom wall panel, an end wall panel integrally connected to said top and bottom panels, a composite end wall formed by a pair of end wall sections integrally connected to said .top and bottom panels and secured together in overlapping relationship, and a pair of composite side walls each formed by five flap sections secured together in overlapping relationship and extending from the adjacent ends of said end wall panel, top and bottom panels and end wall sections, said composite end wall having a pair of substantially parallel and breakable weakened lines formed therein which define therebetween a plural-ply pull-out handle part taken from and extending across the midsectional portion of the composite end wall, said paired weakened lines extending into the adjacent ends of both composite side walls to define therebetween a pair of root portions for the handle part, said root portions being taken from midsectional portions of said composite side walls but connected at the end thereof to the composite side walls of the carton, said carton having a break-out cover part designed to provide a can dispensing opening adjacent the handle part, said break-out cover part presenting a cover top section taken from the top wall panel of the carton and defined by a hinging score extending transversely across the carton top wall, said cover top section as defined by said transverse score having a longitudinal length which is less than half the longitudinal length of the top wall panel but not substantially less than the diameter of a single can, a front flange section comprising that portion of the composite end wall extending between the pull-out handle part and the top wall panel of the carton and separable from the pullout handle part alongthe adjacent breakable weakened.

line which when broken defines the free edge of the front flange section and the adjacent edge of the handle part, and a pair of cover side flange sections taken from and separable from the composite side walls along breakable weakened lines extending between the terminal ends of said hinging score and the terminal ends of the adjacent weakened line extensions which define the adjacent edges of the root portions of the pull-out handle part, said cover part being openable by swinging the same along said top wall hinging score when the front flange section and side flange sections thereof are released from the handle part, root portions and the side walls of the carton along said breakable lines to thereby provide a can dispensing opening in the top wall of the carton adjacent the handle part.

7. A carton formed from a one piece blank of sheet material and designed to provide a plural purpose shipping, hand transportation and dispensing carton fora group of cans packaged therein, said carton presenting a top wall panel, a bottom wall panel and a pair of side wall panels secured together along the side edges thereof to provide a tubular body, and a pair of composite end walls for the carton each formed by four flap section: secured together in overlapping relation and respectivelyintegrally connected to the adjacent ends of said side pan els, top panel and bottom panel, one of said composite end walls having a pair of substantially parallel and breakable weakened lines formed therein which define therebetween a plural-ply pull-out handle part taken from and extending across the midsectional portion of the composite end wall, said paired weakened lines extending into the adjacent ends of both side wall panels todefiine' therebetween a pair of root portions for the handle part, said root portions being taken from midsectional portions of said side Wall panels but integrally connected at the end thereof to the side wall panels of the carton, said carton having a break-out cover part designed to providea can dispensing opening adjacent the handle part, said break-out cover part presenting a cover top section taken from the top wall panel of the carton and defined by a hinging score extending transversely across the carton top wall, said cover top section as defined by said transverse score having a longitudinal length which is less than half the longitudinal length of the top wall panel but not substantially less than the diameter of a single can, a front flange section comprising that portion of the composite end wall extending between the pull-out handle part and the top wall panel of the carton and separable from the pull-out handle part along the adjacent breakable weakened line which when broken defines the free edge of the front flange section and the adjacent edge of the handle part, and a pair of cover side flange sections taken from and separable from the side wall panels along breakable weakened lines extending between the terminal ends of said hinging score and the terminal ends of the adjacent weakened line extensions which define the 'adja-- cent edges of the root portions of the pull-out handle part, said cover part being openable by swinging the same along said top wall hinging score when the front flange section and side flange sections thereof are released from the handle part, root portions and the side walls of the carton along said breakable lines to thereby provide a can dispensing opening in the top wall of the carton adjacent the handle part.

8. A one-piece blank of sheet material designed to provide a plural purpose can shipping, hand transportationand can dispensing carton having a break-out handle part and an adjacent break-out cover part, said blank including an end wall section, a side wall panel, an end wall panel, a second side wall panel, and a reinforcing end wall section foldably connected in sideby-side relation by a series of parallel scores extending transversely of the blank, a pair of opposite top and bottom wall forming flaps foldably' connected along longitudinally extend- 16" ing scores to each of said side panels, bottom panel, and one ofsaid end wall sections, a pair of breakable weakened lines extending longitudinally of the midsectional portion of each of said end wall sections for the full length thereof and defining a handle forming strap portion therebetween, each pair ofweakened lines presenting end extensions extending into the adjacent side wall panel and defining therebetween a root portion for the adjacent handle strap portion, a hinging score extending transversely across each of the top wall forming flaps which together with the adjacent top wall flap extending from one of said end wall sections providing a composite cover top section whose longitudinal length as defined by said transverse hinging scores is less than half the longitudinal length of the composite top Wall but not substantially less than the diameter of a single can, and a weakened line extending diagonally across the adjacent corner portion of each of said side panels from the terminal end of the adjacent hinging score to the terminal end of the adjacent weakened line extension therein to thereby define a cover side flange taken from the side wall panel.

9. A one-piece blank of sheet material designed to provide a plural purpose can shipping, hand transportation and can dispensing carton having a break-out handle part and an adjacent break-out cover part, said blank including an end wall section, a bottom wall panel, an end wall panel, a top wall panel and a second end wall section fo-ldably joined in side-by-side relationship by a series of parallel scores extending transversely of the blank, composite side wall forming flaps integrally hinged along longitudinally extending scores to both ends of said bottom wall panel, top wall panel, end wall panel, and both end wall sections, each of said end wall sections having a breakable weakened line extending medially and transversely thereof whose ends extend into the side wall forming flaps which are integrally hinged thereto, each of said weakened lines defining a handle strap portion and a pair of associated handle root portions, 21 hinging score extending transversely of said top panel and defining a cover top section whose longitudinal length as defined by said transverse hinging score is less than half of the longitudinal length of the top panel but not substantially less than the diameter of a single can, a pair of breakable weakened lines extending from the terminal ends of said hinging score diagonally across a corner portion of the side wall forming flaps which are hinged to said top panel to thereby define the side flanges of the cover part.

10. A one-piece blank of sheet material designed to provide a plural purpose can shipping, hand transportation and can dispensing carton having a break-out handle part and an adjacent break-out cover part, said blank including a sidewall panel, a top wall panel, a second side wall panel, and a bottom wall panel secured together in side-by-side relationship by a series of parallel scores extending transversely of the blank, end wall forming fiaps integrally hinged along longitudinally extending scores to both ends of said top wall panel, bottom wall panel, and both of said end wall panels and designed to be secured together in overlapped relation to provide a pair of composite end Walls for the carton, the end wall flaps associated with said top and bottom panels at one end thereof each having a longitudinally extending weakened line defining a handle strap portion, a pair of weakened lines extending transversely of each of the adjacent end wall forming flaps which are hinged to the adjacent ends of the side wall panels defining a further handle strap portion therebetween, said paired weakened lines having weakenedline extensions extending into the adjacent end of each of said side panels defining root portions for the handle strap portions therebetween, a hinging score extending longitudinally across said top panel defining a cover top section whose longitudinal length as defined by said hinging score is less than half the longitudinal length of the top panel but not substan- 17 tially less than the diameter of a single can, and a line of weakness extending from each terminal end of said hinging score to the terminal end of the adjacent weakened line extension in the adjacent side panel to define a side flange for the cover part. 5

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,925,102 Levkofi Sept. 5, 1933 10 18 Berney Sept. 25, 1934 Brogden Oct. 3, 1944 Buttery Oct. 31, 1944 Guyer May 27, 1952 Robins Dec. 15, 1953 Guyer -1 June 15, 1954 Palmer Sept. 20, 1955 Guyer Nov. 8, 1955 

